Knock in engine! eek!

MAZDA 323
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MISSLINDZY
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I drive a 2004 Mazda 323, 78k miles, 4speed. Take in mind im a 22 yr old female who knows nothing about cars, so if I sound dumb im sorry!

I have been hearing a knock in my engine for about 6 or 7 months. At first it was barely noticable, but has gotten a little bit louder over the time period that I've been hearing it. I know, engine knocks aren't good, so does anyone have any ideas on what it could be? I don't want to get ripped off if I take it in.
Oct 29, 2007 at 12:23 PM
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2CARPRO JACK
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Depends on where the noise is coming from Lindsey.If the timing belt is slapping the front cover it will make noise. Have you kept up on your oil changes? is there oil in the engine?
Oct 29, 2007 at 12:45 PM
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MISSLINDZY
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Yeah, I have been doing my oil changes. But I haven't owned the car more than a year and a half so could it be because the previous owner didn't keep up with them? I can check the oil later to see if there's oil in it, but I just got the oil changed about a month ago and they didn't mention anything about it so i dont know. What would that do to it, if the oil changes hadn't been upkept? Or the timing belt thing?
Oct 29, 2007 at 2:40 PM
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2CARPRO JACK
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I have seen the tensioner and or idler bearing fail for the timing belt causing a loud noise. If that is the case, I would have it looked at immediately before th ebelt breaks and causes internal engine damage. The oil changes...... oil will eventually turn to sludge from heat if not changed regularly, the pump cant keep good oil moving around in the engine if it is plugged up with sludge, causing bearing failures, which you dont want
Oct 29, 2007 at 2:56 PM
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MISSLINDZY
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Thank you very much for all your help :) I'll be sure to have it looked at this coming weekend.
Oct 30, 2007 at 8:48 AM
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JOEMAMA99
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I think it could be an oil leek.

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email me and I can send you pictures that show you how to fix it.

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Oct 31, 2007 at 8:04 PM